The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum will join 400+ lighthouses from throughout the world for International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (ILLW) from August 17-19, with support from members of the St. Augustine Amateur Radio Society (SAARS).
“We always enjoy participating in this worldwide event,” said Executive Director Kathy A. Fleming. “It brings together so many groups of people who are passionate about the history and care of our historic lighthouses. We appreciate all the volunteers from the St. Augustine Amateur Radio Society who help us connect with the world and share the story of our Lighthouse.”
This annual event began in 1998 as a way for lighthouses, lightships and maritime beacons to connect with each other via amateur radio and advocate for the preservation of these historic structures. Major amateur radio organizations such as the Radio Society of Great Britain, the Amateur Radio League of America and the Wireless Institute of Australia support and promote this event.
Members of SAARS, who call themselves “hams,” will assist in this event. The weekend festivities will begin at 4pm on Friday and run continuously until 7pm on Sunday. Most members of SAARS will rotate shifts through the entire 48 hours.
A tent will be set up in front of the St. Augustine Lighthouse to serve as ILLW headquarters. During regular visiting hours, from 9am to 7pm, Museum guests are welcome to visit the tent to listen and watch as SAARS communicates with other participants around the globe.
Marking its 21st anniversary this year, the event will feature newcomers joining the list, including the Ashdod and Mount Carmel lighthouses in Israel; Shabla Lighthouse in Bulgaria; Porthcawl Breakwater in Wales; and Tanjung Datu in Malaysia. Additional newcomers are in Mexico and Cuba, sponsors said.
To learn more about the St. Augustine Lighthouse, visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org.
Find more events in St. Augustine, by visiting our online calendar of events!
